State law requires drivers to slow down and shift over a full lane when law enforcement or assistance personnel have their emergency lights on. While I have great empathy for the reason this law was enacted, I contend that it has the propensity to cause even more danger on the roadways through confusing interpretation.

While this law contains the clause "unless traffic or other hazards exist that prevent them from doing so safely" (i.e. shifting lanes), it is apparent drivers in the lane closest to the law enforcement or assistance vehicle "on parkways and controlled access highways" feel bound and determined to move over a lane at the peril of those behind them and in the next lanes over.

While even one injury suffered during a violation stop is one too many, changes to this law could help avert unintended impacts caused by drivers trying to move over as is believed to always be the directive.

I propose the law be amended to state that drivers in all lanes slow down to "half the posted speed limit or more," rather than shifting over or just reducing speed as the law states, until the problem area has been cleared. Further, all drivers should put on their flashing lights in conjunction with the slower speed conditions.

Sudden movements by motorists, especially as we approach the busy vacation season, presents the greatest danger and is exponential in nature.